Page 107 of Saddle and Bound

I can't help but smile. "I will."

Chapter 71

Rosie

I wake up with a smile on my lips, aware that today is the big day: Dad's wedding to Maria.

I've always loved weddings.

I’ve never had a large family or many friends, so I haven’t attended many weddings in my life. The only time I went to one, I was a child and accompanied my father to a colleague’s wedding. At that time, my father was still living in America with me. This upcoming wedding will be Italian-style, and I’m beyond excited about the idea.

Obviously, the fact that it's my father's wedding makes it even more special. I'm truly happy to know that he has finally found peace. I saw him sad, defeated, and apathetic for far too long after my mother's death. Moreover... if I now have a large family, many friends, and have found the love of my life, it's because of him.

I get out of bed, feeling excitement grow inside me. Through the window, I see the ranch's meadow transformed into a floral paradise. Sunflowers, Maria's favorites, tower everywhere, their yellow corollas seeming to capture and reflect the sunlight. Among them, patches of lavender and wild daisies create a colorful carpet that stretches as far as the eye can see.

After giving a quick kiss to Alex, still half-asleep, I head towards the main house. It took me an eternity to free myself from his strong, heavy embrace.

And... have you ever seen Alex when he's half-awake?

He holds me tight, it's like talking to someone drunk, and the more I try to move, the more he curls up even closer.

I adore him.

I love him.

The fresh morning air caresses my face, bringing with it the sweet scent of flowers and the more pungent aroma of freshly cut grass.

Entering the house, I'm welcomed by a jubilation of laughter and excited chatter. Val, Lexy, and Aurora are already at work, surrounded by an organized chaos of clothes, accessories, and beauty products.

"Here she is, finally!" exclaims Val, running to meet me and embrace me.

"Hey, it's not my fault Alex didn't want to let me go," I respond, laughing, returning the embrace.

"Oh, poor thing," Lexy jokes, pouring me a glass of champagne. "It must be terrible to have such a devoted boyfriend."

I accept the glass with gratitude, feeling my heart swell with love thinking of Alex.

Maria emerges from the bedroom, wrapped in a silk bathrobe, her hair still damp from the shower. Her face glows with happiness and anticipation.

Just then, the door opens, and Aunt Tina makes her entrance, dragging an enormous bag that seems about to explode.

"Girls, I'm here!" she announces, breathless from the effort. "I've brought everything necessary to survive an outdoor wedding!"

Curious, I approach to take a look at the bag's contents. Aunt Tina begins to extract an impressive number of bottles and boxes.

"Look, dear," she explains to me, "here are the antihistamines for pollen, here's the cortisone in case of bee stings, here are the refreshing wipes in case it gets too hot..."

I can't help but laugh. "Aunt Tina, do you really think you need all this?"

"You never know, darling!" she responds with conviction. "Better to prevent than to cure!"

At that moment, Ethan makes his triumphant entrance, loaded with makeup cases and accessories. "Good morning, beauties! Who's ready for a red carpet transformation?"

Maria smiles nervously. "I think I definitely need one, Ethan."

While Ethan begins to set up his makeup station, Aunt Tina looks at him with admiration. "Oh, Ethan! I saw your latest tutorial on how to hide dark circles. A masterpiece!"

Ethan takes a theatrical bow.

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